Just before we launch the J.Hilburn Spring 2022 Collection, I want to make a final plug for an amazing new winter item that you may have missed.
I recently saw a friend on social media complaining about the icy Arctic blast he was experiencing for the first time after recently moving from California to the Northeast, specifically to my home state of Connecticut. It immediately made me think of my latest J.Hilburn arrival hanging in my closet here in Dallas—an item that, with the relative balminess of Texas, probably won’t get as much outdoor time as I thought it would.
I had ordered our custom-made puffer with return trips to Connecticut in mind. I love how practical and stylish it is, and super easy to travel with due to a lightweight stretch fabric that gives movement and comfort. I knew it would work perfectly for car trips from the airport and have enough style to wear for dinners with friends at our local tavern in town. I could pop it over sweaters, or even over a sportcoat if needed. Like so many, my travel plans have been stunted this winter, but I’m not too upset because I know this piece will serve me well season after season.
A necessary puffer from snowy winters past in the icy Northeast – even my dogs need them this time of year!
I have owned many statement outerwear pieces from designer brands, made for the cold with built-in technology to keep you warm in freezing temps. Down, with its natural thermal properties, is an amazing material for this, but none of the designer brands I already own offer custom-made pieces in this outerwear category.
Our custom-made puffer can be ordered in a range of lengths to suit anyone. Mine is just short enough to suit my height, but long enough to cover my hips and backside, which is what you want for those frigid days. I chose the 4 snap pockets because I like the more utility styling on the front, married to the covered placket with snaps. I really like the great-looking effect of our hardware color. I ordered the Navy, as it is a wear-with-everything type of color, but now I’m thinking of adding a second color to my closet—perhaps the Olive—which I don’t see as indulgent, but rather tasteful and especially well suited for my time in the country or perhaps a trip to the UK later in the year.
Luckily for me we had a pretty cold spell here in Dallas this week, and whilst venturing out is still very limited I did have some errands to run and finally had the perfect reason to wear my custom-made puffer. It performed exactly how I wanted it to, keeping me feeling warm and looking very stylish stepping out of my car at Highland Park Village. The ample pockets made it easy to carry keys, my wallet and my mask, and I loved the knitted cuff hidden under the sleeve that poked out when I was driving but pulled back into the sleeve again when I was out of the car and walking around.
I have the hooded version, because as most Northerners know, these are the months you really do need a hood—but I prefer the look of a hood laying down on the shoulders to add a warm layer around the neck. As I walked past the designer windows, I saw the displays with nearly every brand showing some kind of puffer. I could also see my reflection in those windows and didn’t feel I was missing anything on this side of the glass.
